MAY 1996 NEWS

This article originally appeared in the May 1996 issue of PCT magazine.

CPCO DRAWS BIG NUMBERS FOR 2nd CONVENTION
DAVIE, Fla. — More than 1,000 pest control professionals attended the second annual convention of the Certified Pest Control Operators of Florida (CPCO) March 28 and 29 at the Rolling Hills Country Club and Golf Resort in Davie, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. Under the spirited direction of Convention Chairman Lynn Hoffer and CPCO Executive Director Mel Edelstein, the two-year-old association put together a top-drawer event that included a trade show, educational seminars, and a gala dinner and dance.

Several industry notables were on hand to instruct and update attendees on various aspects of the pest control business. Among the presenters were Dr. Claude Thomas of B&W Marketing and Sales; Bruce Ryser of FMC Corporation; Bruce Augustin of Zeneca Professional Products; Oscar Mir­anda of Dow­Elanco; and Ken Knapp of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

An average of 123 pest control professionals attended the five educational sessions, earning two CEU credits for each session. More than 200 CEU certificates were issued at the conference.

All of the major suppliers serving the U.S. structural pest control industry, from AgrEvo to Zeneca, displayed their products in the exhibit hall, which boasted 62 booths in all. In addition to the national suppliers and manufacturers, booths were sponsored by numerous state and regional organizations, including Broward Community College; the University of Florida-Gainesville; the University of Florida-Davie; and the Broward County Agricultural Extension Service. Van Waters & Rogers garnered the convention’s Best Booth award.

In a roundtable discussion, five representatives of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services — Don Grant, Phil Helseth, Ken Knapp, Mike Petrozzino and Frank Valdes — ably fielded questions, concerns and complaints from convention attendees.

During the educational sessions, Dr. Phil Koehler of the University of Florida was awarded $1,000 for the Florida Pest Control Association’s Urban Entomology Professorship. The seat was established to compete nationally for the best scientific talent and to ensure a continued program of educational and research excellence, according to John Capinera, chairman of the University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology.

A partial scholarship was awarded to Suzanne Wainwright, a student majoring in urban pest management at the University of Florida’s Davie campus.

The gala dinner on Thursday evening featured an auction conducted by CPCO Executive Director/Auctioneer Mel Edelstein. The auction’s top-drawing item, a game jersey autographed by Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, was purchased by Skip Hughes of Eco-Logic for $400. The CPCO matched Hughes’ price, and the resulting $800 was donated to an area school for autistic children that Marino’s son attends. In addition, convention exhibitors contributed prizes to the sale. All told, the auction generated more than $2,000 for the CPCO.

After an elegant dinner, live 1950s-style rock-and-roll music and dancing kept attendees hopping like cockroaches treated with pyrethrins for several hours. In keeping with the ’50s theme, an array of classic cars graced the entranceway leading to the exhibit hall.

Marty Gray of Van Waters & Rogers won the conference golf tournament. Gil Livingston of PQ Termite Service earned the Duffer Award.

Organized in July 1994, the CPCO now comprises more than 600 members. For the convention, educational sessions to earn CEUs were offered at no charge to members. Attendance to all the convention’s activities, except for the dinner, was free to all PCOs.

“We get people’s attention by providing education for CEUs to our members for free,” Edelstein said. “But we offer them a lot more than that, including legislative representation in Tallahassee and in their local areas.”

Edelstein attributed the CPCO’s success in recruiting new members to a confluence of conditions and factors unique to southeastern Florida — its tropical climate; its high density of pests; its high proportion of citizens who have moved south from cooler locales and are therefore accustomed to living without pests. As a result of these factors, Edelstein explained, southern Florida has an unusually large number of businesses engaged in the pursuit of managing pests.

“We have more than 2,000 pest controllers concentrated in five counties along a 25-mile strip on both sides of I-95,” Edelstein said. “Many of the people who live in this area have moved from New York and other places up north. They’ve been conditioned to not have to worry about pests in and around their dwellings.”

The goals of the CPCO, according to Edelstein, are to improve legislation, to educate PCOs, and to provide fellowship to the association’s members. In two short years, the organization has made impressive headway toward meeting those goals. — Harry Katz & Pete Fehrenbach

NPCA TECHNICAL DIRECTOR RICHARD KRAMER LEAVES TO FORM CONSULTING FIRM
DUNN LORING, Va. — Richard Kramer, director of research, education and technical resources for the National Pest Control Association, resigned his post in late April and has established a new pest control consulting firm, Innovative Pest Management Inc.

In a resignation letter dated April 8 and addressed jointly to NPCA Executive Vice President Rob Lederer and the association’s staff and membership, Kramer wrote that the consulting venture would enable him “to become more involved in industry issue management, to develop comprehensive training materials for the industry in several formats, to work more closely with manufacturers in product development and testing, and to assist small companies with technical operations, proposal development, contracting, and quality control.”

Kramer said his five-year stint with the NPCA “has been my most rewarding professional experience.

“Through my interaction with the association’s membership, the research community, and other industry professionals, I have grown professionally and personally and have gained friends as well as professional relationships.”

Kramer noted he “has seen the association experience some of its most difficult times — the death of its financial director, two resizings, and the dismissal of the past executive vice president [Harvey Gold], the individual who recruited me.”

“As I reflect on these sad events,” he said, “I nevertheless realize that all change is inevitable and believe that the NPCA will continue to flourish and serve its membership well.”

In a related statement, Kramer announced plans to undertake a number of publishing, training and educational projects in cooperation with G.I.E. Publishers Inc., the Cleveland, Ohio-based company that publishes a number of pest control-related books and magazines, including Pest Control Technology and Service Technician.

“I am looking forward to working with PCT and Service Technician magazines on much-needed educational and training projects for the structural pest control industry,” Kramer said. “Working with PCT and ST represents an opportunity for me to generate new and exciting programs that will be of great value to all industry members. Being associated with G.I.E. also affords me the time to devote to making these programs a success. That’s something I’ve had little time to do previously.”

Kramer has served as the NPCA’s director of research, education and technical resources since February 1991. He replaced George Rambo, who had resigned the position in September 1990 to form his own consultancy. During his five years with the NPCA, Kramer participated in the development of the NPCA Field Guide To Structural Pests, computerized tutorials, and the NPCA technician credentialing program.

Prior to joining the NPCA, Kramer served the U.S. Army for 22 years as an entomologist, working in the areas of regulatory compliance, Department of Defense certification training, management of pest control operations, development of Department of Defense pest management policies, and urban entomology research at the University of Florida. During the 1960s, when the lawn care industry was in its infancy, Kramer worked as a service technician in his father’s lawn spraying business, White Top Spray Service of Satellite Beach, Fla.

Kramer’s business address and phone number effective May 1, 1996: Innovative Pest Management Inc., 18100 Darnell Drive, Olney MD 20832, 301/570-7138.

VIKANE FUMIGANT TRAINING PROGRAM UPDATED
INDIANAPOLIS — DowElanco announced it will revamp its training program on the safe and effective use of Vikane gas fumigant in 1996. The program, which has been offered for three years by DowElanco and distributors of Vikane, will continue to stress safe work practices and pro­cedures, including proper use of a clearance device, a warning agent, and a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.

In addition, the new “Caretakers Program” will incorporate more interactive activities and hands-on training techniques. Attendees will also have the chance to win a valuable gift through successful completion of a few quizzes during the course of the year. For a copy of the official stewardship policy for the 1996 “Caretakers Program,” call DowElanco at 317/337-7358.

NEW JERSEY’S ROACH DERBY A PERENNIAL HIT
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Want some media attention for your pest control association? Follow New Jersey’s lead. Seven years ago, the NJPCA built the world’s only official racetrack for cockroaches, and the media can’t get enough. The NJPCA’s 7th Annual Roach Derby, held during its annual clinic at Rutgers University, utilizes a specially constructed plexi­glass track to show­case the multilegged creatures. The derby is a media mag­net, according to Alan Caruba, a PR counselor for the association. 

WOMEN IN PEST MANAGEMENT MAKE CHANGES
ORLANDO, Fla. — The association Professional Women in Pest Management voted on some operating and administrative changes during its recent meeting in Orlando, Fla., during the 62nd Annual National Pest Control Association Convention & Exposition.

To encourage members to renew their memberships and to attract new members, the organization will reduce its annual dues from $60 to $20. The organization will also promote mentorship among members by listing a specialty along with each member’s name in the directory.

PUBLICATION ADDRESSES RISK REDUCTION
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — Pickering, Bell & Major, a Laguna Beach, Calif.-based management consulting firm, has produced The CEO’s Guide to Managing and Controlling Attorneys, Legal Costs and Litigation Risks, a new publication based on extensive work managing business litigation for clients nationwide.

The 1996 edition, based on actual cases and client experiences, contains more than 30 pages of tips, techniques and strategies for combatting rising legal costs and surviving an anti-business bias.

The company, which advises emerging and growing middle-market businesses, has a proprietary “Manage and Win Litigation Control System,” which is explained in the guide and offers owners and top management of mid-sized industrial, commercial and financial firms a clear and concise framework for immediate action to control legal costs and risks.

Pest control professionals may order the how-to guide by sending a check for $45 to Pickering, Bell & Major, 580 Broadway, Suite 121, Laguna Beach CA 92651. CEOs who write on letterhead may purchase the guide at a 50% discount ($22.50). For more information, call 714/376-6188.

DOWELANCO,  MICRO FLO SETTLE DISPUTE
INDIANAPOLIS — DowElanco and Micro Flo Co. have settled their dispute related to chlorpyrifos insecticides.

In 1993, DowElanco petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel certain Micro Flo pesticide registrations and sued Micro Flo for damages in federal court. DowElanco maintained that Micro Flo violated the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) by failing to offer to compensate DowElanco for Micro Flo’s reliance on DowElanco’s product registration data, and also violated federal and state laws by misrepresenting its products as containing DowElanco’s Dursban insecticide.

Micro Flo subsequently initiated a FIFRA data-compensation arbitration to determine its obligations to DowElanco. Micro Flo has not admitted to the allegations, but in resolution of DowElanco’s claims, Micro Flo has said it will not commit such acts in the future and has agreed to pay DowElanco an undisclosed sum.

PURDUE UNIVERSITY WALL OF FAME
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The individuals pictured below gathered at the recent Purdue Pest Control Conference to be recognized for the contributions they and/or their companies have made to support research and education for the urban pest control community. Their vision for the future is permanently recognized on the Wall of Honor displayed in the foyer of Purdue Uni­versity’s Entomology Hall.

COMINGS & GOINGS
Fumigation Service & Supply of Indianapolis opened a branch office in Chicago in February 1996. The branch is being run by FSS ­associate Roger Cole, and services commercial food processors and grain facilities in the Chicago area. Cole is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in entomology and has been with FSS since 1994.

Jim McCoy has joined Bell Laboratories as international business manager for Latin American accounts. His territory, known as Bell Americas, includes Mexico and all of Central America and South America. McCoy is responsible for expanding Bell’s business relationships with its Latin American distributors, and for establishing new distributorships and business opportunities, including registering Bell products in those markets. He will represent Bell’s line of rodent control products to both the professional pest control and animal health industries. McCoy, who will be based at Bell headquarters in Madison, Wis., was formerly a resident of Seattle, where he was international operations manager for a biotechnical firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from the University of Washington.

Fred Langley has joined RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) as manager of state government relations. Working on a consultant basis, Langley tracks state legislative and regulatory activities affecting the specialty pesticide industry, provides regular updates to the RISE membership, builds coalitions, and testifies on behalf of the association when needed.

Formerly a government relations and national specialty issues manager for DowElanco, Langley has also held several other positions within Dow Chemical Co. in both chemical and crop protection categories. An arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and a professional and trade association leader, Langley earned his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Cornell University and his master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Connecticut.

Waltham Chemical Co. has named Marisol Ficaro accounting supervisor. Ficaro oversees the operations of the pest control firm’s corporate accounting department. A graduate of Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Ficaro earned her master’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico. She resides in Merriman, Mass., with her husband, Leonard.

Jeffrey Streeter, also of Waltham Chemical Co., has been named the company’s 1995 Service Technician of the Year. Streeter, who is based out of Waltham’s New London, Conn., office, is licensed in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island, and he serves both residential and business customers in those areas. Principle customers include the U.S. Coast Guard, major colleges and universities and large commercial businesses. As Waltham Chemical’s Service Technician of the Year, Streeter received a cash award, an additional week of vacation, and a new service vehicle. The award, created 13 years ago, recognizes Waltham service technicians who demonstrate outstanding work performance. In another Waltham reward program, 14 employees were honored for putting forth a year of perfect attendance.

David Judd has been named vice president of sales and marketing for Biosys. Judd joined AgriSense BCS, the company’s U.K. subsidiary, in 1986 as director of sales and marketing and was responsible for sales and marketing efforts in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Based in Columbia, Md., Judd oversees the company’s worldwide sales and marketing efforts in the pest control, agricultural and specialty markets.

In other Biosys news, Porter Williams has recently joined the company as business manager of pest control products. A 15-year veteran of the pest control industry, Williams coordinates the sales and product development efforts of the company’s pest control and public health products between worldwide operating groups. His primary geographic responsibility includes the United States, Latin America and the Pacific Rim.

Brad Hyman has been appointed western regional sales representative for Troy Biosciences. In addition to handling sales and marketing for agricultural markets, Hyman will oversee sales efforts in the ornamental and turf markets for the company. Previously a sales representative with Estes Chemicals, Hyman holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University. He resides in Bakersfield, Calif.

Redd Pest Control has promoted Murray Strickland to branch manager of the company’s Indianola, Miss., location. Strickland will handle all facets of branch management, including daily operations, sales, public relations and customer service. A native of Leland, Miss., Strickland has been employed with the company for 25 years.

In other Redd Pest Control news, Benjamin Conway and Jimmy Morrison have been promoted to the position of supervisor in the company’s New Orleans location. Their new responsibilities include overseeing service personnel, providing customer service, and promoting quality service. Conway has been employed with Redd since 1993 and Morrison joined Redd in 1992.The company has also named three regional top sellers: Wayman Byars, a sales and service technician based in Columbus, Miss., John O’Connor, a branch manager based in Baton Rouge, La., and Mike Pickens, a supervisory trainee based in Oxford, Miss. Both Byars and O’Connor have been with the company for 24 years, and Pickens for 11 years.

PURDUE STUDENT WINS J.T. EATON SCHOLARSHIP
J.T. Eaton & Co. has awarded Dean Brad its 1996 J.T. Eaton Scholarship for Entomology. An undergraduate student in the Department of Entomology at Purdue University, Brad plans to receive a doctorate in entomology and to embark on a career in research at a major corporation or university. Brad is a member of the National Honors Society, a participant in the National Science Foundation Young Scholars Program, and is active in the Purdue French Club, Bicycling Club and Math Club. He also enjoys collecting stamps and coins and plays the accordion.